The Women’s Seconds got off to a flyer, playing quite directly and pushing towards the York goal until they forced a penalty corner. This great opportunity was not wasted as Maisy King’s shot from the corner was directed into the net by her team-mate Edgington to give Lancaster the 1-0 lead.
The lead lasted barely five minutes. Lancaster struggled to keep the ball after intense York pressing, allowing Marks to pick up the ball ten yards from goal and then slip the ball past Lancaster’s Nichols in goal. However, Lancaster still looked the better of the two teams, holding more position and creating numerous half-chances despite the York team being physically more imposing.
Nichols however had to come to Lancaster’s rescue on numerous occasions in the match, including an excellent stop from a Cordingley shot after the York play took advantage of sloppy Lancaster play. It was not long, however, until Lancaster found the quality they had been searching for. Norman picked up the ball and danced through the three York players blocking her path to the goal before skilfully finishing. Lancaster maintained this deserved lead as the frenetic first half came to a close.
Despite having Norman in the sin bin for the start of the second half, York were unable to turn their numerical advantage into a goal and looked likely to be frustrated for the rest of the game. Lancaster’s McMillan found herself in shooting distance but could not get the first goal of the second half. Lancaster seemed more focus on maintaining their lead than extending it, but their dominance was still clear.
The play was largely congested in the middle for the rest of the half, with York struggling to break through Lancaster. However, they ultimately found a way through, getting the ball to the physical Furber who quickly turned and shot to deliver a blow to the Lancaster team. Despite both teams attacking towards the end the play looked tired and lacking the quality evident early on. It was a tight match, but Lancaster will certain see it as a missed opportunity.
